Arthur Zwane backs AmaZulu bench strength amid Simo Dladla exit

Dladla was a notable absentee from the bench during Monday night’s 2–2 draw against Sekhukhune United and Usuthu have since confirmed that the assistant coach will leave the club at the end of the season, prompting questions over a potential gap. 

Zwane, however, downplayed concerns, pointing to the depth of knowhow still available within his backroom staff, with goalkeeper coach Postnet Omony and third assistant Siboniso ‘Nini’ Vilakazi still key members of the technical team. 

"Postnet is experienced, Coach Nini is experienced and he's been in the PSL for how many years now? Four years. So, if you look at his experience and what he has done in the game also," said Zwane.

"That's why – don't get me wrong, I'm trying to get the clarity in terms of [this], so for real, this club is bigger than each and everyone of us, including me.

"This team, tomorrow, can go and play without me, they can go and play without Coach Nini, they can go and play without Postnet, so all of us don't make any difference, it's love and passion and commitment for the club, that's what matters most – the club comes first."

READ: Zungu quells early exit rumours as AmaZulu duo remain until season’s end

AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu told SABC Sport that Dladla was still “in the employ” of the club when asked about his whereabouts, but the biggest hint he will not be involved in technical team matters came from Zwane.

"I was sick the other day, if you remember I was here, and the guys were working. I was more relaxed, I would stand up here and there," he noted.

"So it tells you, yes, being a coach is just a job title. Obviously the buck stops with me when things are not going our way, and my head is on the block.

"I should be the decision maker, but obviously supported by other guys, so that's very key. And what I'm trying to say is that we can survive, the club can survive – the minute you realise, the better for us."